RSPCA criticises new ‘capybara cafes’
Capybaras' natural habitats are sub-tropical wetlands.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has criticised new ‘capybara cafes’, as the UK’s first venue prepares to open.
Although a location has not been secured, it is believed that The Capybara Café will be opening in Norfolk before the end of 2025.
The business is the venture of Jemma Aldridge, a full-time carer for her two disabled and autistic children. Ms Aldridge says that capybaras have provided her young children with comfort due to their therapeutic nature.
Although not confirmed, it is expected that the two baby capybaras will be living on a working farm near Dereham. Speaking to the Dereham Times, Ms Aldridge said that she was in communication with Defra and the local council.
Ms Aldridge said: “We're deep into planning enclosures, finalising welfare protocols, working with local vets, and setting up staff training; all while making sure everything aligns with UK licensing requirements."
She added that refreshments will not be a focus of the venue, which will instead centre on providing animal interaction.
Meanwhile a coalition of animal welfare organisations, including RSPCA, has published a statement sharing ‘significant concerns’ with the concept of capybara cafes.
A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: “While we recognise the good intentions behind this idea, we would have significant concerns for the welfare of these wild animals as well as for the safety of humans.
“A capybara’s needs are simply not compatible with a cafe setting and we strongly urge the organisers to rethink this idea. There are many effective, ethical and therapeutic experiences for people with disabilities that do not involve placing wild animals in unsuitable environments or risking public health.
“Even if capybaras are born and raised in captivity, and seem ‘tame’, they still have the same environmental, behavioural and social needs as their wild relatives.”
The charity explains that capybaras’ crepuscular nature is incompatible with a cafe’s usual opening hours. It says that forcing them to be active when they normally rest would be stressful to them.
Like many wild animals, capybaras require quiet places and the ability to escape when overwhelmed. Their natural habitats are sub-tropical wetlands, which the coalition says would pose a challenge to replicate for a cafe owner.
Capybaras are capable of carrying a number of zoonotic diseases. Although some of the pathogens are more common in South America, the capybaras could expose vulnerable people to deadly bacterial infection.
The constant noise and human presence could also cause them significant stress which could cause them to defend themselves with their sharp teeth.
Ms Aldridge did not respond to a request for comment.
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